going to a show but not entering a class

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inthehills

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I'm hoping to do an in hand show or two with my 5 yo highland later on this summer, but before I do I'd quite like to take him to a show just to soak up the sights and sounds and get used to it.

Can you do this? and can you just turn up? or do I need to enter a class to be able to go?

many thanks :)
 
I've done it, taken my mare to a show to see the sights. I think she had already seen all the sights because she was a lot calmer than me. Turn up, have a walk around, let them look and take them home. We were so brave that we did a clear round and got a rosette!
 
It would be best, and more polite, to enter a class. This will also get you under the show's insurance. I often bring a non-competing baby along in the lorry, it's great to let them just chill and not be under any pressure.
 
Cortez said:
It would be best, and more polite, to enter a class. This will also get you under the show's insurance. I often bring a non-competing baby along in the lorry, it's great to let them just chill and not be under any pressure.
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Confused - what is show insurance ? maybe I am being dense, but if a horse runs amok at a show it is the owner or their insurers who pay the compensation surely ?

I take all my young horses to shows to hack around the lorry parks, go to the ice cream van, sit in the collecting ring and generally learn what life is about. I have yet to see a secretary or organiser who would even notice, they are far too busy running the show. There is absolutely no way a horse can be educated to compete at large show without having a look around one first. Of course it can go to the local pony show for a taster but that will not prepare it for big buzzing venues.
 
AdorableAlice said:
Confused - what is show insurance ? maybe I am being dense, but if a horse runs amok at a show it is the owner or their insurers who pay the compensation surely ?

I take all my young horses to shows to hack around the lorry parks, go to the ice cream van, sit in the collecting ring and generally learn what life is about. I have yet to see a secretary or organiser who would even notice, they are far too busy running the show. There is absolutely no way a horse can be educated to compete at large show without having a look around one first. Of course it can go to the local pony show for a taster but that will not prepare it for big buzzing venues.
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If the individual is not at fault, cannot be considered negligent, then the show insurance may pay out if they have been negligent in any way it could be considered their fault the animal got loose and ran amok due to bad planning , it is never straightforward but as Cortez said it is only polite to ask permission or to enter a class, some venues do specify that only those competing may be on the premises, it is rarely policed but does mean everyone is covered in the event of an incident.
 
inthehills said:
Many thanks for the replies.
Is it ok to enter a class but then not turn up for it?
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Given that most shows are trying to raise money for some organization, on private land, then I think that you should enter a class, and then ensure that the secretary knows you have withdrawn, before the class.
 
I do this, and if I am intending on boxing over, then entering the collecting ring, then I do enter the class and then withdraw.

I live near a show centre, and if I am just walking onto the car park for a few minutes whilst hacking, then I do not enter. Until recently I did have knowledge and permission from the owner/ organiser, but TBH I have been twice since the new owners have been there, and I must make contact to ensure that this is still OK. I do go back and clear up if my horse does a poo!
 
inthehills said:
Many thanks for the replies.
Is it ok to enter a class but then not turn up for it?
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Why start off on the wrong food being a disruption to the normal flow of things by not turning up when eventually you might want to compete and actually enter at that site. It would seem to be far more polite, respectful and simpler just to contact ahead and ask permission to be on-site but not competing and outline your reasoning for such
 
I can't see why it would matter just to turn up and not enter a class, although you should have your own Public Liability insurance anyway. I think if you made a habit of it people would start to notice and you would get a reputation and be spoken to!

As for giving a young horse a look around, I am always amazed when I read in H & H that a horse is taken to Windsor, say, and the owners say "It is his first show" and they go and win. How?
 
thanks, interesting to hear different people's opinions. I could contact the show secretary and ask permission but wasn't sure if people did this and if I would be told to go elsewhere!!
 
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